Cardhu 12 YO single malt is a return to greatness … and it’s about time.

John Cumming was one of the rare Whisky smugglers that successfully transitioned to legal operation when the oppressive tax and production laws were eased. Thus, Cardhu was born in 1824. You may know Cardhu as one of the signature core malts of Johnny Walker, but it was a single malt long before the blenders got their hands on it. Happily it's been restored to its former delectable single malt glory where it is pleasing customers and winning awards once again.

Like many Highlanders, the core Cardhu offering is a 12 YO. It’s a fairly straight-forward example of a Speyside Whisky, but with a mild, peaty influence — but not for the usual reasons. Where some Whiskies taste of peat because it’s used as fuel to dry the malt, at Cardhu the water source is exposed to a large peat bog — delivering a “natural peat” flavour and an experience akin to second-hand smoke on the finish. In the spirit itself you will find a medium body, light sweetness, and a taste of baked pears.

Smartass Corner
The word Cardhu comes from the Gaelic "Carn Dubh" which means "black rock.”